By Kavi Chahal, Communications Staff
The cost of living is at a record high. Public services are struggling, and so are the AUPE members who keep them going. Our mental health is suffering, and neither the government nor our bosses are making things better.
Over 82,000 AUPE members are in bargaining, working towards a new collective agreement that will help them not only survive, but thrive under these harsh conditions. We’ve already been clear about the critical issues that need to be addressed: wage increases, job security, benefits, and working conditions, and we’re preparing to take action to ensure our demands are met.
All of these issues and more were the main focus of AUPE’s 47th annual Convention, held from October 24 to 26, 2024.
Convention opens with a Rally for Respect
AUPE’s 1,000 Convention delegates demonstrated our commitment to bargaining and action right from day 1. Following a rousing speech by President Guy Smith, we took the fight to the Legislature for a Rally for Respect. Chanting and cheering, we took up space, made ourselves heard, and sent a message so clear that there is no room for misunderstanding – we won’t back down!
“It’s truly inspiring to see members’ strength and commitment to the struggle ahead,” says AUPE Executive Secretary-Treasurer Justin Huseby. “Again and again, we see members showing up for themselves and their fellow workers. The bosses are trying to keep us down, but we’re standing up and fighting for what we deserve.”
AUPE members were not rallying alone, as thousands of members from several other unions joined forces for one of the largest labour rallies in Alberta’s history. We joined our comrades in the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Alberta, and the University of Alberta’s Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
Again and again, we see members showing up for themselves and their fellow workers. The bosses are trying to keep us down, but we’re standing up and fighting for what we deserve.
We know that the Alberta government is doing its best to suppress fair, free, and equitable bargaining for public sector workers. By interfering in negotiations across bargaining tables, they are attempting to rob workers of our power to fight for the improvements we deserve, all while sitting on a $4-billion surplus that should be fairly compensating workers and funding the services they provide all Albertans. We showed them that we are prepared to stand and struggle in solidarity to ensure fair contracts for all workers.
Convention business gets going
Convention delegates took the overwhelming energy they built at the rally and carried it through the rest of Convention. Delegates were committed to setting AUPE’s direction and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Each member of AUPE’s elected Executive Committee then delivered their reports. These reports provided a review of the actions our Executive has taken to reach our goals and objectives over the last year.
A key focus of this year’s Convention was our financial position and readiness. Members are committed to ambitious goals, both in bargaining and service delivery, and understanding and allocating resources to those goals is essential. Delegates approved the Finance Committee’s report, adopted audited financial statements, and passed the budget for 2024/2025. There was spirited debate throughout these discussions and on resolutions relating to finances, with delegates demonstrating their engagement in determining our union’s financial future.
“Members are making thoughtful decisions to focus on their priorities for the coming years,” says Huseby. “They are taking control of their future and are excited to walk the path they’ve chosen.”
During resolution debate, delegates made key decisions on our democratic processes and how Convention, our greatest democratic body, will operate. They decided that we will continue holding Convention annually and approved a new process for Executive Officer elections.
When we fight, we win
AUPE Members across the province are prepared to take action for bargaining, and Convention delegates focused on this as well. Delegates raised the issue of picket line crossing as a significantly negative impact when we go on strike. They then passed a resolution to ensure members are educated on that impact and distinguishing between “scabs” and workers required to continue to work as per their Essential Services Agreement.
Nothing can stop us from reaching our goals when we take action together.
Convention is always a time of excitement as enthusiastic members come together to chart the course forward for our union. They arrive with focus and determination to engage with their fellow delegates, debate critical issues, and make key decisions that govern our organization.
This Convention, more than any in recent memory, the energy was truly electric. The unprecedented time of 82,000 members bargaining set the tone for the event and members rose to the challenge. Convention ended with high hopes and optimism, as delegates went back to their communities to fight with fortitude and action.
“When we fight, we win,” says Huseby. “Nothing can stop us from reaching our goals when we take action together. With another successful Convention and so many members standing in solidarity, I know we will succeed.”